On the edge: Ohio State vs. Florida

Friday

Dec 30, 2011 at 12:01 AMDec 30, 2011 at 9:16 PM

Who has the edge in different situations when Ohio State takes on Indiana?

When Buckeyes run . . . Edge – Ohio State

The Buckeyes have usually rushed the ball effectively against defenses stacked to stop the run. Team MVP Daniel Herron runs with vision, and quarterback Braxton Miller has an uncanny knack for making tacklers miss. But running against Florida won't be easy. The Gators have yielded only 3.4 yards per carry this season. Its run defense ranks 39th nationally, giving up 132.3 yards per game. Florida's linemen are quick and physical, and linebackers Jon Bostic (86 tackles) Jelani Jenkins (71 tackles) must be accounted for.

When Buckeyes pass . . . Edge – Florida

The Buckeyes' passing game was abysmal most of the season, but Miller has shown growth and the late-season return from suspension of DeVier Posey has given Ohio State a consistent target it has lacked. Miller is coming off a career-best game against Michigan, and the additional practice time can only help. But Florida's ranked 20th nationally in pass-efficiency rating, so it won't be easy to throw on the Gators. Florida's defensive backs are quite young. Only one senior is in the Gators' two-deep roster in the secondary.

When Gators run . . . Edge – Ohio State

Since moving to the pro style attack this season Florida has been more straightforward with its running game with modest results (75th nationally, 144-yard avg.). Chris Rainey is more the thunder (71.82) while the speedy Jeff Demps (49.00) is the lightning. The Buckeyes slipped to an uncharacteristic 53rd in rush defense (142.42), but with LBs Andrew Sweat and freshman Ryan Shazier poised to start together for the first time, think they might plug more holes.

When Gators pass . . . Edge – Florida

QB John Brantley, 39th in pass efficiency, dealt with nagging injuries through the season but appears healthy. His favorite targets are Jordan Reed and Andre DeBose. But Florida is a mere 87th in pass offense (190.17). OSU is 15th in passing yards allowed (186.17) but was susceptible to the big play from time to time, one reason being they are 55th in sacks (1.92).

Special teams . . . Edge – Ohio State

With some costly exceptions, the Buckeyes' kicking game was pretty solid this season. Jordan Hall is a dangerous return man, Ben Buchanan punted well and Drew Basil rebounded from a shaky start. Florida kicker Caleb Sturgis was successful on 21 of 25 field-goal attempts and has 50-plus range. Florida blocked four punts this season. The Gators' longest punt return this season was only 22 yards.

Intangibles, other factors . . . Edge – Florida

OSU is seeking its first official win over an SEC school in a bowl. Last year's victory over Arkansas in the Sugar was vacated…. This should be no offensive masterpiece, since Florida is 101st in total yards (334.17 avg.) and OSU is 107th (319.75). … OSU is 32nd in turnover margin (plus-.33 avg.) while Florida is 113th (minus-.92). Both first-year coaches Luke Fickell of OSU and Will Muschamp of Florida went 6-6. … Ticket sales were tepid, but Florida could get a strong walk-up crowd.

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